Why do fans think Steven Weber is leaving Chicago Med? Explained

Chicago Med is a part of NBC's One Chicago franchise. It first premiered on November 17, 2015 and centres on the personal and medical life of Gaffney Chicago Medical Centre doctors and nurses.

Steven Weber's character, Dr. Dean Archer, is among the major ones in the program. The realistic, straightforward Chief of the Emergency Department is Dr. Archer, who has a past involving addiction, frequently faces both personal demons and professional challenges.

With the show now in its 10th season, fans once thought that Weber would be leaving Chicago Med after the plot of his character in the ninth season seemed to be running thin. Then with Chicago Med season 10, premiering on September 25, he returned as Dr. Dean Archer, with a new rival in the workplace, Dr. Lenox.

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Is Steven Weber really leaving Chicago Med?

Yes, fans once assumed that Dr. Dean Archer, played by Steven Weber, would leave the show. When he was noticeably absent from several episodes in season 9, fans speculated that his tenure on the program was coming to an end.

However, it wasn't true. The plot was the reason for Weber's absence. Dr. Archer's character was described as recuperating after a transplant procedure in the episode where he was absent.

As the show decided to depict his recuperation in a realistic manner, Dr. Archer required time to recuperate before going back to work. This plot was prearranged, and his absence was only a brief one than an indication that he would permanently depart the program.

This trend of fewer characters appearing in each episode was part of a bigger goal for the Chicago franchise. To manage escalating production expenses and fluctuating viewership, the show began to limit the number of cast members featured each week.

Eventually, fans don't have to worry because Weber isn't leaving the show. His absence was part of the show's strategy for the season, and Dr. Archer was scheduled to return in later episodes.

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A closer look at Steven Weber's character in Chicago Med

Since season 6, Steven Weber's portrayal of Dr. Dean Archer has become quite important in the show. Archer, the Chief of the Emergency Department, is in a position of power where his tough-love style sometimes conflicts with other doctors and personnel.

He regularly gets into arguments with coworkers like Daniel Charles and Natalie Manning, particularly when he believes that their personal problems interfere with their ability to do their jobs. Archer is a more complex character because of his military experience and PTSD issues.

Archer's story also heavily draws from his personal experiences. Tension arises between him and his son, Sean, because of his problematic background with drug use and incarceration.

Sean's recurrence makes everything more difficult, but Archer's son might be able to give a kidney when he suffers from kidney failure. That gives Archer's character more emotional depth as he works to mend his relationship with his kid.

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Current storyline of Chicago Med

According to the current episodes, Sharon Goodwin is under increasing threat from Patrick Dunn, a former hospital employee who has been harassing her online. The situation exacerbates when Dunn is sent to the hospital following a standoff with police, suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Meanwhile, the medical team treats two teens from a punishment camp who exhibit evidence of abuse and neglect. Tensions between Archer and Lenox build over the treatment of Jordan, a kid whose surgery ends tragically.

Viewers can watch the next episodes of this show on NBC and Peacock.

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